Coped trim molding blocks

ABSTRACT

A method of installation comprises providing at least two trim molding pieces and providing a molding block configured to be positioned over a joint between the end portions of the trim molding pieces and to fit substantially flush against the molding. The method includes forming a decorative profile on the front surfaces of the molding pieces and forming an inverse profile on the rear surfaces of the molding block. The inverse profile mirrors the decorative profile formed on the front surfaces of the molding pieces. The method further includes installing the trim molding pieces such that the end portions are positioned adjacent each other and form a joint and installing the molding block over the joint between the pieces. The inverse profiles on the rear surfaces engage flush with the decorative profiles on the front surfaces of the trim molding pieces.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to trim molding and more particularly pertains to coped trim molding blocks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Joining trim molding pieces together at a corner, or even along a straight wall segment, can be a difficult task. Creating a perfectly mitered joint between the ends of the trim pieces is difficult, time-consuming and cumbersome. Great precision is required to ensure that the joint between the trim molding pieces is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, even the most perfectly mitered joint between trim pieces can become dislocated upon expansion or contraction of the trim molding pieces, or other similar events. As an example, the exposure of the joint based on separation of the trim molding pieces due to contraction or other causes is undesirable and unsightly.

There is a need for coped trim molding blocks to address these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, a method of installation comprises providing at least two trim molding pieces, each of the molding pieces having an end portion and a front surface, and providing a molding block configured to be positioned over and fit substantially flush against the end portions of the trim molding pieces, the molding block having at least one rear surface. The method includes forming a decorative profile on the front surfaces of the molding pieces and forming an inverse profile on the at least one rear surface of the molding block. The inverse profile mirrors the decorative profile formed on the front surfaces of the molding pieces. The method further includes installing the trim molding pieces such that the end portions are positioned adjacent each other and form a joint and installing the molding block over the joint between the trim molding pieces, with the inverse profile on the at least one rear surface engaging flush with the decorative profiles on the front surfaces of the trim molding pieces.

In certain other embodiments, an apparatus comprises a corner molding block having first and second front surfaces and first and second rear surfaces. The rear surfaces are configured to abut substantially flush against profiled front surfaces of trim molding pieces at a corner joint. Additionally, the rear surfaces are coped with a profile inverse to the profile on the front surfaces of the trim molding pieces. The molding block is configured to be positioned at the corner joint to cover end portions of the molding pieces, with the rear surfaces being configured to continuously engage the profiled front surfaces along the height of the trim molding pieces.

In yet other embodiments, an apparatus comprises a molding block adapted to be positioned over end portions of two adjacent trim molding pieces to conceal a joint therebetween. The molding block includes at least one rear surface which is coped in a profile mirroring the profile of the trim molding pieces such that the rear surface is configured to abut substantially flush against at least one of the molding pieces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a molding block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the molding block of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the molding block of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of trim molding pieces.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the molding block of FIG. 1 mounted to the trim molding pieces of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a molding block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the molding block of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the molding block of FIG. 7 mounted to trim molding pieces.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a molding block according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the molding block of FIG. 9 mounted to trim molding pieces.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the disclosure being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for concealing the joint between two trim molding pieces, such as baseboard or crown molding, meeting at a corner or along a straight wall surface. In certain embodiments, a corner molding block may be used to conceal the joint between two molding pieces meeting at a corner. The corner molding block includes two rear surfaces which are coped or undercut with a profile inversely matched to the profile defined by the front surface of the molding pieces such that the coped rear surfaces of the block fit substantially flush against the profiled front surfaces of the molding pieces. The coped rear surfaces of the molding block mate with and continuously engage the profiled front surfaces of the trim molding pieces along the height of the molding pieces, with no visible gap between the mating surfaces. The corner molding block may include outer decorative profiling, as desired.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an inside corner molding block 10 for fitting over and concealing the joint between two trim molding pieces which meet at an inside corner. The molding block includes a molding portion 12 configured to be aligned with the trim molding pieces and an extension portion 14 configured to extend beyond the trim molding pieces.

Portion 12 includes two rear surfaces 16 meeting at a protruding corner 17 and two front surfaces 18. In certain embodiments, the rear surfaces 16 meet at an approximately 90 degree angle at corner 17 to fit within typical inside corners of approximately 90 degrees. As illustrated, surfaces 16 are preferably coped to have a profile which is an inverse or mirror of the profile defined by the corresponding trim molding pieces, so that the rear surfaces abut substantially flush against the trim. The coped rear surfaces continuously engage the profiled front surfaces of the trim molding pieces along the height of the molding pieces, with little or no gap existing between the mating surfaces. The front surfaces 18 may also meet at an approximately 90 degree angle, as illustrated. Alternatively, the front surfaces may be shaped and configured differently for decoration or function as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The front surfaces 18 may be flat, as illustrated, or may be decoratively profiled or designed, as desired.

Portion 14 includes two rear surfaces 20 meeting at a protruding corner 21 and two front surfaces 22. In certain embodiments, the rear surfaces 20 are flat and meet at an approximately 90 degree angle, such that the surfaces are configured to extend over the trim to abut substantially flush against flat wall surfaces meeting at a corner above the trim. In alternative embodiments, rear surfaces 20 may be curved, with the definitive corner edge being absent, to enable the rear surfaces to fit substantially flush against a rounded inside corner joint. The front surfaces 22 may optionally be decoratively profiled, as illustrated. Additionally, molding block 10 includes a flat end surface 24 configured to abut substantially flush against a flat floor or ceiling surface. Opposite end surface 26 is illustrated as being flat, however it should be appreciated that the end of the extension portion 14 may be configured otherwise as desired. In certain embodiments, molding block 10 may define a ledge 30 extending rearward between molding portion 12 and extension portion 14, the ledge being configured to be positioned on and over the end surfaces of the trim molding pieces, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 4 illustrates two example trim molding pieces 60 and 64 having respective end portions 61 and 65, profiled front surfaces 62 and 66, and flat end surfaces 63 and 67. The trim molding pieces 60 and 64 meet at the ends or the ends are adjacent each other at an inside corner joint 68. Molding block 10 can be placed over the end portions 61 and 65 to conceal the corner joint 68. As such, the molding pieces need not be mitered to adjoin perfectly at the corner joint and optionally a gap may exist between the ends. Additionally, typical amounts of contraction or expansion at the corner joint will be concealed by the block 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates the molding block 10 positioned over end portions 61 and 65 of the trim molding pieces 60 and 64 to conceal the corner joint 68. As illustrated, the coped rear surfaces 16 mate with and abut substantially flush against profiled front surfaces 62 and 66, with protruding corner 17 positioned in corner joint 68. To accomplish the flush fitting, rear surfaces 16 may be coped using standard profiling techniques to create the inverse profile in the rear surfaces. The rear surfaces may be coped before installation, such that the molding block is pre-coped, or the rear surfaces may be coped on-site or during the installation process. As illustrated, ledge 30 may be positioned on and over flat end surfaces 63 and 67 of the trim molding pieces.

Additionally, flat rear surfaces 20 of extension portion 14 abut substantially flush against wall surfaces 70 and 72, with corner 21 fitting substantially flush within corner 74. Extension portion 14 extends beyond trim molding pieces 60 and 64, such that the height of the molding block 10 is greater than the height of the trim molding pieces. Molding block 10 may be mounted or attached to the molding pieces 60 and 64 in a variety of appropriate manners as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, fasteners such as nails, staples, adhesive or caulking can be used to mount the molding block in position.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an outside corner molding block 110 for concealing the joint between two trim molding pieces meeting at an outside corner. Molding block 110 is similar in configuration and design to molding block 10, with molding block 110 defining a recessed corner, rather than a protruding corner, to abut the outside corner created by the trim molding pieces. The molding block 110 includes a molding portion 112 configured to be aligned with the trim molding pieces and an extension portion 114 configured to extend beyond the trim molding pieces.

Portion 112 includes two rear surfaces 116 meeting at a recessed corner 117, two front surfaces 118, and two side surfaces 119. In certain embodiments, the rear surfaces 116 meet at an approximately 90 degree angle at corner 117 to fit against typical outside corners of approximately 90 degrees. As illustrated, surfaces 116 are preferably coped to have a profile which is an inverse or mirror of the profile defined by the corresponding trim molding pieces, so that the rear surfaces abut substantially flush against the trim. The coped rear surfaces of the molding block mate with and continuously engage the profiled front surfaces of the trim molding pieces along the height of the molding pieces, with no visible gap between the mating surfaces. The front surfaces 118 may also meet at an approximately 90 degree angle, as illustrated, and the side surfaces 119 may transition between adjacent rear and front surfaces at approximately 90 degree angles. Alternatively, the front and side surfaces may be shaped and configured differently for decoration or function as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The front surfaces 118 and side surfaces 119 may be flat, as illustrated, or may be decoratively profiled or designed, as desired.

Portion 114 includes two rear surfaces 120 meeting at a recessed corner 121 and two front surfaces 122, with the side surfaces 119 extending up through portion 114. In certain embodiments, the rear surfaces 120 are flat and meet at an approximately 90 degree angle, such that the surfaces are configured to extend over the trim to abut substantially flush against flat wall surfaces meeting at a corner above the trim. In alternative embodiments, rear surfaces 120 may be curved, with the definitive corner edge being absent, to enable the rear surfaces to fit substantially flush against a rounded outside corner joint. The front surfaces 122 may optionally be decoratively profiled, as illustrated. Additionally, molding block 110 includes a flat end surface 124 configured to abut substantially flush against a flat floor or ceiling surface. Opposite end surface 126 is illustrated as being flat, however it should be appreciated that the end of the extension portion 114 may be configured otherwise as desired. In certain embodiments, molding block 110 may define a ledge 130 extending rearward between molding portion 112 and extension portion 114, the ledge being configured to be positioned on and over the end surfaces of the trim molding pieces, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 8 illustrates molding block 110 positioned over two example trim molding pieces 160 and 164 having respective end portions 161 and 165, profiled front surfaces 162 and 166, and flat end surfaces 163 and 167. The trim molding pieces 160 and 164 meet at the ends or the ends are adjacent each other at an outside corner joint (not visible) and optionally a gap may exist between the ends. As illustrated, the molding block 110 is positioned over the end portions 161 and 165 of the trim molding pieces 160 and 164 to conceal the outside corner joint. As such, the molding pieces need not be mitered to adjoin perfectly at the corner joint. Additionally, typical amounts of contraction or expansion at the corner joint will be concealed by the block 110. As illustrated, the coped rear surfaces 116 mate with and abut substantially flush against profiled front surfaces 162 and 166, with recessed corner 117 receiving the outside corner joint. To accomplish the flush fitting, rear surfaces 116 may be coped using standard coping techniques to create the inverse profile in the surfaces. The rear surfaces may be coped before installation, such that the molding block is pre-coped, or the rear surfaces may be coped on-site or during the installation process. As illustrated, ledge 130 may be positioned on and over flat end surfaces 163 and 167 of the trim molding pieces.

Additionally, flat rear surfaces 120 of extension portion 114 abut substantially flush against wall surfaces 170 and 172, with corner 121 fitting substantially flush against corner 174. Extension portion 114 extends beyond trim molding pieces 160 and 164, such that the height of the molding block 110 is greater than the height of the trim molding pieces. Molding block 110 may be mounted or attached to the molding pieces 160 and 164 in a variety of appropriate manners as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, fasteners such as nails, staples, adhesive or caulking can be used to mount the molding block in position.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a straight-wall molding block 210 for concealing the joint between two trim molding pieces meeting at a midpoint along a straight wall segment. Molding block 210 is similar in configuration and design to molding block 10 and 110, with molding block 210 having a single coped rear surface, rather than two adjoining surfaces meeting at a corner, to abut the profiled molding pieces meeting along a straight wall segment. The molding block 210 includes a molding portion 212 configured to be aligned with the trim molding pieces and an extension portion 214 configured to extend beyond the trim molding pieces.

Portion 212 includes a single rear surface 216, a single front surface 218, and two side surfaces 219. As illustrated, surface 216 is preferably coped to have a profile which is an inverse or mirror of the profile defined by the corresponding trim molding pieces, so that the rear surface abuts substantially flush against the trim. The coped rear surfaces continuously engage the profiled front surfaces of the trim molding pieces along the height thereof, with little or no gap present between the mating surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the side surfaces 119 transition between front surface 218 and rear surface 216 at approximately 90 degree angles. Alternatively, the surfaces may be arranged differently as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The side surfaces 219 may be flat, as illustrated, or may be decoratively profiled or designed, as desired. The front surface 218 may optionally be decoratively profiled, as in the illustrated embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the front surface may be shaped and configured differently for decoration or function as desired, including a flat configuration.

Portion 214 includes a rear surface 220, with the front surface 218 and the side surface 219 extending up through portion 214. In certain embodiments, the rear surface 220 is flat and configured to abut substantially flush against a flat wall surface. In alternative embodiments, rear surfaces 220 may be shaped differently. Additionally, molding block 210 includes a flat end surface 224 configured to extend over the trim to abut substantially flush against a flat floor or ceiling surface. Opposite end surface 226 is illustrated as being flat, however it should be appreciated that the end of the extension portion 214 may be configured otherwise as desired. In certain embodiments, molding block 210 may define a ledge 230 extending rearward between molding portion 212 and extension portion 214, the ledge being configured to be positioned on and over the end surfaces of the trim molding pieces, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 10 illustrates molding block 210 positioned over two example trim molding pieces 260 and 264 having respective end portions 261 and 265, profiled front surfaces 262 and 266, and flat end surfaces 263 and 267. The trim molding pieces 260 and 264 meet at the ends or the ends are adjacent each other at a joint (not visible) and optionally a gap may exist between the ends. As illustrated, the molding block 210 is positioned over the end portions 261 and 265 of the trim molding pieces 260 and 264 to conceal the joint. As such, the molding pieces need not be assembled to adjoin perfectly at the joint. Additionally, typical amounts of contraction or expansion at the joint will be concealed by the block 210. As illustrated, the coped rear surface 216 mates with and abuts substantially flush against profiled front surfaces 262 and 266. To accomplish the flush fitting, rear surface 216 may be coped using standard coping techniques to create the inverse profile in the surface. The rear surface may be coped before installation, such that the molding block is pre-coped, or the rear surface may be coped on-site or during the installation process. As illustrated, ledge 230 may be positioned on and over flat end surfaces 263 and 267 of the trim molding pieces.

Additionally, flat rear surface 220 of extension portion 214 abuts substantially flush against wall surface 270. Extension portion 214 extends beyond trim molding pieces 260 and 264, such that the height of the molding block 210 is greater than the height of the trim molding pieces. Molding block 210 may be mounted or attached to the molding pieces 260 and 264 in a variety of appropriate manners as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, fasteners such as nails, staples, adhesive or caulking can be used to mount the molding block in position.

In certain embodiments, the molding blocks 10, 110 and/or 210 are composed of wood. In other embodiments, the molding blocks 10, 110 and/or 210 are composed a plastic or synthetic material. In some embodiments, the molding blocks 10, 110 and/or 210 may be formed by an injection molding process. However, it should be appreciated that the components can be composed of other appropriate materials and formed in other appropriate manners as would generally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. As alternative examples, the molding blocks 10, 110 and/or 210 may be composed of foam, medium density fiberboard, a metal material or stone. Additionally, the molding blocks 10, 110 and/or 210 may be used with various types of trim molding pieces, including baseboard molding, crown molding and/or chair rail molding. The molding blocks are illustrated in an orientation configured for use with baseboard molding; however the molding blocks can be inverted for use with crown molding along the upper edge of a wall, at the ceiling. The illustrated profile designs in the molding blocks and molding pieces are intended to be non-limiting examples of the numerous possible profile designs. Further, the extension portions 14, 114 and/or 214 are optional, such that in certain embodiments the extension portions are absent, with the molding portions concealing the corresponding joint between the trim molding pieces.

A method of installation in accordance with the present disclosure involves initially providing the trim molding pieces and the molding block, such as the molding blocks and example trim molding pieces discussed herein. A decorative profile is formed in the front surface of each of the molding pieces. Additionally, an inverse profile is formed on the rear surface(s) of the molding block, the inverse profile mirroring the decorative profile defined on the trim molding pieces. The rear surfaces may be pre-coped prior to installation using a variety of possible tools and techniques, including for example the use of a router with a router bit which is the inverse of the trim molding profile. Alternatively, the rear surfaces may be coped on-site during the installation process using a variety of possible tools and techniques, including a hand-held router or scroll saw, as examples, or other appropriate hand tools.

The trim molding pieces are installed such that the end portions of the trim molding pieces are positioned adjacent each other to form a joint, including either a corner joint or a mid-joint along a straight wall segment. The molding block is installed over the joint, with the inverse profile on the rear surface(s) engaging flush with the decorative profile on the front surfaces of the trim molding pieces without visible gaps. The molding block may optionally be permanently or semi-permanently mounted into position through the use of one or more fasteners.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. 

1. A method of installation, comprising: providing at least two trim molding pieces, each of the molding pieces having an end portion and a front surface; providing a molding block configured to be positioned over and fit substantially flush against the end portions of the trim molding pieces, the molding block having at least one rear surface; forming a decorative profile on the front surfaces of the molding pieces; forming an inverse profile on the at least one rear surface of the molding block, wherein the inverse profile mirrors the decorative profile formed on the front surfaces of the molding pieces; installing the trim molding pieces such that the end portions are positioned adjacent each other and form a joint; and installing the molding block over the joint between the trim molding pieces, with the inverse profile on the at least one rear surface engaging flush with the decorative profiles on the front surfaces of the trim molding pieces.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the molding block is a corner molding block and the trim molding pieces meet at a corner joint, the molding block having first and second rear surfaces which meet at an approximately 90 degree angle.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the molding block includes a decorative extension portion having first and second flat rear surfaces and decoratively profiled first and second front surfaces, wherein the rear surfaces are configured to extend over the molding pieces to abut wall surfaces meeting at a corner aligned with the corner joint of the trim molding pieces.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the molding block is an inside corner molding block and the rear surfaces define a protruding corner configured to abut an inside corner where the trim molding pieces meet.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the molding block is an outside corner molding block and the rear surfaces define a recessed corner configured to abut an outside corner where the trim molding pieces meet.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the molding block includes a flat end surface configured to abut a floor or ceiling surface.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the molding block is a straight-wall molding block and the trim molding pieces extend along a straight wall.
 8. An apparatus, comprising: a corner molding block having first and second front surfaces and first and second rear surfaces meeting at an angle, wherein the rear surfaces are configured to abut substantially flush against profiled front surfaces of trim molding pieces at a corner joint, the rear surfaces being coped with a profile inverse to the profile on the front surfaces of the trim molding pieces, wherein the molding block is configured to be positioned at the corner joint to cover end portions of the molding pieces, with the rear surfaces being configured to continuously engage the profiled front surfaces along the height of the trim molding pieces.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the rear surfaces are flat and meet at an approximately 90 degree angle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the molding block includes a height greater than the height of the trim molding pieces.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the molding block includes a flat end surface configured to abut a floor or ceiling surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the molding block includes a decorative extension portion having flat rear surfaces and decoratively profiled front surfaces, wherein the rear surfaces are configured to abut wall surfaces meeting at a corner aligned with the corner of the trim molding pieces.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the molding block defines a rear ledge positioned between the coped rear surfaces and the flat rear surfaces of the decorative extension portion, the ledge being configured to abut flat end surfaces of the trim molding pieces.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the molding block is an inside corner molding block and the coped rear surfaces define a protruding corner configured to abut an inside corner where the trim molding pieces meet.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the molding block is an outside corner molding block and the coped rear surfaces define a recessed corner configured to abut an outside corner where the trim molding pieces meet.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the molding block includes first and second side surfaces extending between the coped rear surfaces and the front surfaces, with the front surfaces being perpendicular to each other and the adjacent side surface, and the coped rear surfaces being perpendicular to each other and the adjacent side surface.
 17. An apparatus, comprising: a molding block adapted to be positioned over end portions of two adjacent trim molding pieces to conceal a joint therebetween, wherein the molding block includes at least one rear surface which is coped in a profile mirroring the profile of the trim molding pieces such that the rear surface is configured to abut substantially flush against at least one of the molding pieces.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the molding block is a straight-wall molding block to conceal a joint between two trim molding pieces extending along a straight wall, the molding block having a single coped rear surface.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the molding block is a corner molding back to conceal a joint between two trim molding pieces at a corner, the at least one rear surface including first and second coped rear surfaces which meet at an approximately 90 degree angle.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the molding block includes a molding portion and an extension portion, the molding portion including the coped rear surfaces and having first and second flat front surfaces, and wherein the extension portion includes flat rear surfaces and decoratively profiled front surfaces, the flat rear surfaces being configured to abut wall surfaces meeting at a corner. 